Food that is acceptable or permitted to be ingested by Islamic law is referred to as “halal” food. “Halal” is an Arabic word that probably means “permissible.”
In recent years, halal food has become increasingly well-liked among both Muslims and non-Muslims. Several variables, including religious, cultural, and health-related concerns, influence the demand for halal cuisine.
With this article, you will learn the concept of halal food, the requirements for halal food, the significance of halal certification, and the accessibility of halal food in non-Muslim communities or countries like Australia.
Halal Food in Islam
Halal food is food that has been prepared according to Islamic dietary laws. These dietary laws outline what foods are allowed and what foods are not allowed for Muslims to consume. Halal food is not just about the food itself but also encompasses the entire process of producing, preparing, and distributing food.
The process must be carried out under Islamic law to ensure the food is halal.
Halal Food Standards
Certified halal food must adhere to guidelines published by the Global Australian Halal Certification (GAHC).
These requirements include what Muslims eat or are allowed to eat:
- The animal must be sacrificed in Allah’s name.
- The animal must belong to a legal species (sheep, cows, goats, etc.).
- At the time of the killing, the animal must still be alive.
- A sharp knife must be used to sever the animal’s throat to ensure a swift and painless demise.
- The animal’s body must be fully emptied of blood.
- Before being killed, the animal must not be stunned.
These requirements apply to all food items, including dairy, fruits, and vegetables, in addition to meat.
What is Halal Meat?
Meat prepared per Islamic dietary regulations is known as halal meat.
The animal must be of an acceptable species and must be killed in the name of Allah. A Muslim who is authorized or an expert to perform animal slaughter is required to do it. The used knife must be razor-sharp and cannot be used on any other animals before being sharpened once more.
What is the Haram Foods (Not Permitted)?
- Pork and its byproducts, such as pepsin, gelatin, and lipase.
- According to Islamic dietary regulations, meat from animals that weren’t killed is haram meat.
- Alcohol and meals cooked with it, such as alcoholic candies and pastries like rum cake.
- Meals containing natural or synthetic vanilla extract (vanilla is prepared with alcohol).
- Blood- and blood-by-product-containing foods, such as blood pudding.
- Foods made with the following ingredients: sodium stearoyl lactylate, L-cysteine, rennet, animal shortening, monoglycerides, and diglycerides derived from an animal source, and whey processed with the non-microbial enzyme.
Halal Certification
The process of confirming the halal status of a good or service is known as halal certification. The production, preparation, halal slaughter, and food distribution are all thoroughly inspected as part of the certification process. Islamic groups or certification agencies are often in charge of halal certification.
Organizations in several nations offer halal certification services to help Muslims eat halal. These organizations ensure that the entire procedure is transparent and that the food is prepared per Islamic dietary requirements.
Halal Food in Non-Muslim Countries
In non-Muslim countries, many Muslims need to find halal products to consume. Some non-Muslim countries have a significant Muslim population, while others may have only a small minority. In both cases, halal food can be found in various ways.
- One way to find halal food in non-Muslim countries is to look for halal-certified food products.
- Searching for Muslim-owned businesses, such as halal butchers and restaurants, is another approach to finding halal food.
- Last but not least, some Muslims decide to cook their meals at home with halal ingredients. In order to prepare their meals at home, they can either buy halal meat from a halal butcher or halal-certified food items from the grocery store.
Conclusion
Islamic dietary guidelines place a lot of emphasis on the halal or haram food distinction. The entire process of creating, cooking, and delivering the food is also considered, in addition to the food itself.
Muslims must ensure they are consuming halal cuisine because it is becoming more common in non-Muslim nations. Halal certification, which Islamic groups or certification agencies typically perform, guarantees that a good or service is halal.
You must understand the difference between halal and haram food to eat only halal.
